The "build vs buy" question applies to IT teams as much as software. Should you hire internal IT staff, outsource to a managed service provider, or use some combination? The right answer depends on your specific situation.
When Outsourcing Makes Sense
You're too small for dedicated staff. A full-time IT person costs $80,000-120,000+ annually. If you only need 20 hours of IT work weekly, outsourcing spreads that cost.
You need broad expertise. Internal staff have finite skills. Managed service providers have teams covering networks, security, cloud, applications, and more.
You want predictable costs. MSPs typically charge fixed monthly fees. No surprises when something breaks or needs upgrading.
You need coverage. Holidays, sick days, resignations - internal staff create coverage gaps. MSPs provide continuity.
When Internal IT Makes Sense
You have complex, unique needs. Deep knowledge of your specific systems and processes takes time to build. That institutional knowledge lives in people, not providers.
Speed matters critically. On-site staff can respond immediately. External providers, however good, have response time constraints.
IT is strategic, not just operational. If technology is central to your competitive advantage, having IT expertise embedded in your team matters.
You've outgrown outsourcing. At some scale, internal capacity becomes more cost-effective and provides more control.
The Hybrid Approach
Many businesses use both:
- Internal staff for day-to-day needs and strategic projects
- MSP for after-hours coverage, specialised skills, and overflow
- Specialists for security, cloud, or specific technologies
Questions to Ask
Before deciding:
- How many hours of IT work do we need weekly?
- What skills do we need - now and in 2-3 years?
- How critical is immediate response time?
- Is IT strategic or operational for us?
- What's our total cost of ownership either way?
The right answer isn't ideology - it's fit for your business.
